Why Most People Don't Have What It Takes To Be A Fighter Pilot and 5 Differences Between AF and Navy

Reacting to two articles from WeAreTheMighty.com on becoming a fighter pilot:
www.wearethemighty.com/milita...
www.wearethemighty.com/articl...
Mondays With Mover
www.cwlemoine.com
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#BecomingAFighterPilot
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[@marcosdiaz5068]

According to Reddit, various informative articles, and word of mouth I had no chance at becoming a pilot. I graduated Spring of 2019 with a degree in criminology from a small college. I could’ve went federal, I could’ve became a Massachusetts state trooper, and I could’ve became a police officer but I said nah. I said “I’m going to try and join the Navy and become a pilot idc what anyone says.” I had Labrum surgery and I had asthma as a child. I was told I had no chance to become a pilot again. I was told my chances of getting SWO were much higher. I got a waiver for my shoulder and I took the Methacholine test for my asthma to get that cleared. I took the ASTB twice first time I scored 43/6/6 the second time I scored 47/7/7 and I just found out last week I’ve been accepted to become a pilot! I head to OCS July 26th. NEVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU WHAT YOU CAN OR CANT DO.

[@stevehodges9632]

You're a ban proud person. Good for you. I can see you jumping up and down in delight. Might have been me. Im 74 now so have to accept "no" at this stage. Ha. KZbin allows me to do all the stuff Id dreamed of years ago and can now experience it vicariously. Right Im off now to fly that mean F86 or maybe a F18!!

[@marcosdiaz5068]

Steve Hodges Growing up to a single mother I looked to male mentors for advice and wisdom. A few were Football coaches, guidance counselors, teachers, etc.. but the most important one that I credit with saving my life was my neighbor for 8 years, a former Navy Pilot during WW2 and Fire Chief for my city. He told me when I was 11 years old I could do whatever I dreamed of.. well I dreamed of being half as amazing as him.

[@stevehodges9632]

@@marcosdiaz5068 I'll be siting right behind you on your first solo.

[@gumball1000000]

Hey! Didn't expect to find anyone else in my class in the wild (July 26th)! www.airwarriors.com/community/threads/26-july-2020-ocs-class.47076/ Here's an airwarrior forum where a bunch of us met up. Hope to have you join with us if you haven't already!

[@Vettefan83]

Congratulations

[@ralphmwr]

Never take a "no" from someone who doesn't have the authority to say "yes"

[@yeoldesaltydog7415]

Oh how I wish I could have known this in 2000.

[@saucegotti8538]

@@yeoldesaltydog7415 better late than never!

[@yeoldesaltydog7415]

@@saucegotti8538 true that :)

[@Bsquared1972]

"Make them tell you NO"...right on. I work as a test proctor at McChord Field, giving enlisted CDC and also FAA written exams. Had a young enlisted troop that is trying for C17 Loadmaster, but some pencil neck in personnel told her she probably would not get selected, 'just being real.' She was in tears...Pulled her aside and went into SNCO mode (retired SMSgt). I told her if she is passionate about flying (and she is), then fight for that slot, don't let anyone but the personnel chief at Randolph tell you NO. I then got her set up to talk to the CMSgts on base that can help her. I HATE when idiots stifle the dreams of our young airmen. Love your message, man, who knows, I may have refueled you before! SMSgt BB Wiggs (ret) KC-10/KC-135 boom, B-52G gunner.

[@simulatedpilot3441]

Is your name CardSlammer?

[@theaceofspades485]

C17 is my favorite heavy.

[@Bsquared1972]

TheAceOfSpades Of course mine is Big Sexy, the KC10. Loved that jet, got about 6500 hours in it, and was an Instructor/Evaluator Boom Operator in it.

[@Bsquared1972]

The Roof Man L not me man. 👍

[@simulatedpilot3441]

@@Bsquared1972 I have a buddy I fly DCS with name Cardslammer who had the same Job we fly sim F18s F16s J17s all kind of stuff if your ever wanna fly check out DCS it's a load of fun and about as real as it gets

[@harrisonpowers4265]

Mover, I love how you call out the BS out of these articles, it really encourages a lot of people. Thank you so much.

[@wendellsawyer4386]

Wish I could have seen these videos when I was younger.

[@jeremiah4810]

could i get a waiver if i’m 5’3.5? i’m 18, maybe i’ll get passed the minimum height needed

[@harrisonpowers4265]

@@jeremiah4810 Make Them Tell You No!

[@jeremiah4810]

@@harrisonpowers4265 understood

[@Rangerman69420]

@@jeremiah4810 You'll probably be fine I know for a fact that the Navy will wavier something like that and I'd assume that the Air Force would to. And honestly at 18 your not done growing yet you may grow that extra .5 by the time you're 21. I wouldn't worry over something like that.

[@Tinman3187]

I loved the part where they said the Airforce is mainly focused on air to air. Because so many Airforce pilots get into air to air engagements with Taliban and ISIS fighter pilots.

[@Furman2137]

I can confirm as a Taliban fighter pilot, these guys just keep shooting our planes down.

[@quintincastro7430]

Those crop dusters are hard to shoot down

[@Some_Random_Asshole]

Derp 101 r/whoosh

[@goldzior1128]

@Derp 101 ISIS and Taliban are still around

[@Blueman-in3lv]

Kagan Roy on 18 of June 2017, an American f/18E shot down a Syrian SU-22

[@taylors1545]

3:57 When I was a boy I was dead set on becoming a fighter pilot. Had all the movies, books, models, RCs, everything to get closer to the life. At 14 I learned my left eye was notably weaker than my right, and 'learned' perfect vision was a basic requirement just to be eligible. Naturally, I abandoned the dream. I'm a programmer today and life is fairly comfortable, if not boring, so I can't complain.... but hearing the 'perfect vision' bit was a lie is soul crushing right now. Not sure how I got here, but you gained a new sub.

[@Twister051]

@ Taylor S - Don't beat yourself up. The vision requirements change as the needs of the military change. When I was going through ROTC you had to have 20/20 uncorrected vision, only Academy guys could get waivers for that. Also could not have any eye surgery before being commissioned. Now it's no big deal if you do. If you still want to fly, my advice would be to learn now. There's a TON of cool, fast stuff out in the civilian world if you have the money for it. I saw a civilian, flyable F-86 in Trade-A-Plane for something like $400K or go buy a Stewart S-51D for $200,000. They're back in production now.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

20/20 vision is not "perfect". There are people with much better eyesight than that. Also, everyone has one eye that focuses better than the other. Every human is like that. It's not a condition--it's just the way human eyes work! If you have 20/20 vision in one eye, it's entirely normal for your other one to have 20/30 or 20/40 vision. Nothing wrong with it--it's the way we're made, and the Air Force and/or Navy pilots are all like that, too. The only people that see equally well out of both eyes are the ones that wear glasses or contacts.

[@rfp313]

If you're young enough you can still pursue and in today's environment you have a solid chance at getting a waiver.

[@DOUBLE0SEVUN]

What kind of programming do you do?

[@krakent8791]

That's how life works.

[@pat7785]

Article: To become a fighter pilot you must be god himself. Actual fighter pilot: If you're blind that's fine just get a waiver.

[@garyhsk8]

LOL so accurate

[@snoosen1678]

I feel attacked

[@corinthianimperialstudios704]

My buddy is getting LASIK for that, because his eyesight is super fucked.

[@Spanishfutbol2010]

Accurate. Too bad they weren’t taking LASIK back then.

[@hillaryzhang306]

@@corinthianimperialstudios704this might be too late but tell ur buddy do NOT get lasik! Due to flap complications it may disqualify you altogether. The military’s preferred eye surgery is PRK and I heard (only through word of mouth) that lasik will disqualify you immediately

[@gwencrawford737]

"Make them tell you no. Don't self-eliminate." Every up-and-comer out there needs to burn that very sentence in their brain.

[@576103]

And even when they tell you ‘no’ keep asking. Persistence pays off. I can’t tell you how many people I know (including me) who have bulldozed institutional obstacles by sheer force of will coupled with leadership support. If you are a worthwhile person, and people can see that in you, ‘no’ often eventually turns into ‘maybe’ then ‘YES!’

[@philipbuckley759]

I wish I read that when I was young....

[@metalgear6531]

And this isn't even exclusive to joining the military. Apply this to every dream you may have! NEVER self-eliminate!

[@fruitytarian]

Wish I'd heard this years ago 😢

[@Twister051]

Mover: "No, that's stupid." Hah!, makes me laugh. As a cadet going through AFROTC Field Training in the summer of 1988 I asked our camp commander, Col. Kerry G. Herron, a pilot with several thousand hours in fighters, what was the number one skill or trait required to become a fighter pilot. His answer was one word long: confidence. He was right.

[@nojobnogirl]

"Don't self eliminate" that's gold, thanks!

[@ferrari884]

This, no shit, is probably the most informative and accurate video about becoming a pilot in the US Military. Well done, Mover. One thing Mover didn’t mention- when you do your flight physical and you are asked if you have seasonal allergies, the answer is “No.” Even if you think you do, you need to say that you don’t. The reason is because most people will say this without actually knowing if it’s true or not. So don’t DQ yourself. If you have seasonal allergies, trust me when i say that the flight surgeons will find it.

[@petersteitz200]

Tony, you are absolutely right. I told the doctor during my AF physical that I did and I failed. My ROTC cammander arranged for a second physical (have no idea how he did this) and I said no to the question. I passed and flew interceptors, a year in Vietnam, became an instructor and the rest was history. This was 1965 and you still had to have 20/20 vision uncorrected and believe it or not, you could not chew your fingernails. Those were disqualifying. Times have changed.

[@fjb4932]

Tony Ferrari My Sister applied to the Air Force after college. Told them she was allergic to cats. DQ'd herself ...

[@Twister051]

Totally correct. Unfortunately, the flt doc is "not" your friend. Even though I retired about 4 yrs ago I still don't tell my civilian flt doc/AME everything.

[@jeffpraterJSF]

This is confusing. If you have allergies and say no but the doctors will find out if you have allergies why lie anyway. If you’re telling people to lie then they can’t find out if you do

[@ferrari884]

Aaron Shaw Like I said in my original comment, most people don’t know what true seasonal allergies are. So, people shouldn’t DQ themselves. But Aaron, by all means, tell them that you have allergies if you want to.

[@evilunclepaul8850]

I went through the RAF pilot selection. I had "all the natural talent of a frozen turkey and none of the charm". Ended up ATC instead. If I can't fly, no one can. ;)

[@evilunclepaul8850]

@N1g3a lord It was in 1990 at Biggin Hill and I was very green. The academic tests were straight forward as were the aptitude tests . If you are thinking of going for it, my only advice is to reapply if you get binned at selection and build your confidence. Well placed confidence in yourself is key to winning a commission. Join sport teams and climb mountains etc. My father applied five times and ended up a creamy on JP's then flew the Vulcan for the next ten years. I gave up immediately and took the ATC post they offered. PS a creamy is someone that gets posted as an instructor straight out of training.

[@thiccieredd9606]

@@evilunclepaul8850 thanks my biggest demotivating thing was failing, hearing this made me feel much better knowing you could reapply a lot

[@1roanstephen]

The standards for vision first changed in 1968 when the USAF went to 20/40 correctable to 20/20 due to a pilot shortage in the height of the Vietnam war. I saved this video for someone who wants to be a fighter pilot but thought he wasn't qualified. I told him to make them tell him no. Thanks for the current facts to share with him.

[@johnnytopgun6414]

Are you an army pastor?

[@1roanstephen]

@@johnnytopgun6414 No. I retired from the Air Force in 1991. I just know the vision changes because it affected me when I was in AFROTC, An F-4 I flew back in the day is in the USAF Museum at Wright Pat. I am one of the old geezers with a baseball cap and a cane

[@nodnerbhu]

I can tell this will be a goodie, take one shot every time he says stupid

[@bluehornet6752]

I don't think I could stay conscious that long.

[@smeeagin0003]

Tom B Those last minutes where you’re hanging on to your last seconds of consciousness LMAO

[@eustaceomalley6071]

I passed out before the end... did I do it right?

[@dividendincome9685]

Anyone that can’t complete this drinking game doesn’t even belong in the military.... well, maybe today’s weak military. Pretty soft now in many ways. ==✊🏼==D💦💦👅

[@dilligaf0220]

Of Jeremiah Green?

[@milesbhuller4950]

"Choose the AF for the per diem obviously" 😂 I seriously love this dude

[@anthonypenaflor]

Miles Bhuller what’s per diem is he referring to?

[@emh5745]

Anthony Penaflor mo money

[@anthonypenaflor]

I meant how do Air Force pilots get more per diem than Navy pilots?

[@austinschober9519]

@@anthonypenaflor Simplification, but you'll get paid some extra money for you to feed yourself and live somewhere when away from home. In the Navy, you typically won't get this money because if you deploy on a boat, you are fed and housed. It's less necessary. Some Navy pilots that are not ship-based will get this money as well.

[@nuchbutter]

@@austinschober9519 actually, Naval Aviators, and all Navy Officers in general, have to pay for their meals when deployed. My last Mess Bill was $200 a month when our squadron was deployed on the USS ENTERPRISE.

[@Taemien]

"Make them tell you no." This cannot be stressed enough for any job in the military. When I went into Satellite Communications for the Army, the counselor (the guy you talk to at MEPS who assigns your MOS) didn't want to give me 25S. He had other quotas he had to fill so he was trying to get me into one of those instead. He stated I didn't have Algebra in college, and my transcript didn't have it. Well I had tested out of it in my entrance exam which didn't reflect on the transcript (despite having math classes that had it as a prerequisite). So I had my recruiter fax in the HS transcript (no idea how he got that, but they have their ways). And hitting all the I's and crossed the T's he had to allow me to get the MOS. So my advice is just harp on it till they nearly throw you out, like physically. Like Lemoine said, don't tell yourself no, follow those dreams. Forge your own path. I've got too many civilian friends in their 30s that wanted to join and didn't because they didn't try to get waivers and thought they never could hack it. You never know till you try. Half the time its just to see if you will try.

[@tyleralheid2755]

I couldn't agree more with your "don't self eliminate" advice. I was told after getting a D in calculus my freshman year of college that I had little chance of picking up a Navy scholarship and almost zero chance of picking up a pilot slot. I never stopped working hard and I never gave up on my goal, and I am now a commissioned officer in flight training in Pensacola. Your attitude dictates your path just as much as your aptitude does.

[@Joesfosterdogs]

you are the exact comment i made to the guy above...he bailed, you didnt...your burn was deeper to succeed...i think this 'fake news' is a good way to weed out the hesitant...guy like you dont take NO...

[@andresramirez4469]

What do your grades have to do with flying a plane?

[@grandmastergyorogyoro532]

*You guys don't know about A-10* ? P.S. - *BRRRRRRTTTTT*

[@EnderlePropertyService]

Back in the good old days...1980s...they did demos with the A10s at Mugu which included live fire of the main gun out into the ocean. That is a sound you *never* forget.

[@josh_jc_cheng]

#triggered

[@EventHorizon31]

My Brother-in-law is a Green Beret. He was wounded in Afghanistan last year and they called in an air strike during a fire fight where they were outmatched and it was an A-10 and he told me it was the best sound he's ever heard as he laid there with half his arm blown off from a RPG. He is alive and well, and after multiple surgeries, his arm is mostly usable. He did have to retire from the military, and from Texas DPS, but his young kids get to grow up with a father because an A-10 annihilated the Taliban who attacked them. Unfortunately one of his teammates was KIA in the firefight.

[@christopheroliver148]

The fart of doom.

[@AV8R_1]

A-10 has been my favorite since like 4th grade... I’m 43😆

[@imaner76]

Make "them" tell you no is a life lesson. Some get confused by who "them" are. Them is not an internet video, them is not a news article. Them is not your mate who you think is the one to listen to. Them is the person that says no and no further progress can be made. I have four rules I live by, they are simple. R1, shut the F up. Rule 2, Listen. Rule 3, Understand. Rule 4, Respond. If you have failed at rule 1 to 3.... Don't do rule 4. Couple them bad boys together and you are on a path that is correct for you. Even if it's a crapshoot, at least it's your crapshoot ;)

[@evanfinch4987]

excellent

[@yeetreviews]

You should tell that to some good for nothing antifa they might get offended

[@texas2627]

LOL Awesome Mover... Love how you broke this down... I was Enlisted Air Force, as a Crew Chief on T-37's and T-38's, then cross-trained into Food Service to I could get out of Texas... 1st Assignment was Reese AFB Lubbock, Tx.. Food Service was at RAF Bentwaters UK..

[@biteme263]

Cudos to you. I was a crewchief and the food was fantastic in the Air Force. Even during excersises in the temp chow halls it was good. Not sure how they made powdered eggs taste good but they pulled it off. The flight line chow hall was kind of nasty though lol. No worse than mcdonalds to be honest.

[@iananderson7883]

It's great watching these vids by a guy who was actually a fighter pilot. I had a friend whose father flew phantoms in the Royal Air Force. He came last on his initial flying course before they were streamed as fast jet, transport or helicopter. Because everyone ahead of him either wanted transport or helicopter he ended up with fast jets. In addition to flying Phantoms he also was selected as a flight instructor. This was back in the early 70 s I think he served for something like 20 years in the RAF. So there ya go. Love all these vids. I'm going to check out your books as well. Cheers from Canada.

[@professorpizza69]

I'm at Laughlin for UPT right now, and you pretty much nailed it. I was prior enlisted, and the only thing I have to say is officer recruiters are just as crappy as enlisted. They don't know the process and tend to focus on test scores. Recruiters will often immediately tell you you're not qualified. It happened to me. I was told by my recruiter I had *zero* chance at being a pilot, when I already had my commercial and instrument ratings...haha.

[@jamesburns2232]

Patrick, you know that UPT doesn't care about your Commercial and Instrument Ratings or ATP for that matter!

[@maxcorder2211]

@@jamesburns2232Yep, most commercial pilots don’t fly close formation at night in weather. Your private ratings may give you a head start in the early phase of UPT, but won’t help after about the first third of the year. When I went to UPT I had never been in an airplane.

[@lynnecheermom]

Entertaining as usual Mover. Keep them honest!

[@justinlevitt945]

The ASTB is taken prior to commissioning, I went the ROTC route and this is taken your senior year and you find out weather you’ve gotten a pilot slot around xmas. I’m nobody special, took it hungover and got a slot; so there’s that.

[@mickrambo6787]

Was a childhood dream. Was involved in all kinds of programs wanting to be a fighter pilot. Passed that 6 foot 5 mark at 16 years old. RIP lol

[@JS-ns8dr]

Get a waiver lol. I’m 5’2 female they said get a waiver.

[@mickrambo6787]

@@JS-ns8dr i was able to fly other planes. It was me being physically too tall to fit in the cockpit.

[@jaybee6701]

Brother, love your videos and (especially in this one) your message. Career-man Army here; Motor Sergeant/Training NCO and sometimes (hopefully soon again) Civil Affairs, 18 down 7-12 to go. I salute you, Sir, respect to the man and not just the rank in this case.

[@lahockeyboy]

Thanks for this video, C.W. It was very helpful to my nephew. He's 15 and I've been taking him up in the Tomahawk since he was 9. He got a C in in Algebra and had convinced himself that his dream of being a fighter pilot was all but finished. I think he had watched all of your video between the time i told him about this one, and the next time saw him!

[@billvs6505]

Thank you - Go to the Source! People doing research should always use source information to find out anything! So many now rely on second-hand, third-hand, or "no-hand" sources for information that they assume is correct. Anything can be put on the internet, and there's all sorts of junk there to prove it. I'm so glad you made that point so clearly. Love your videos.

[@keithmcfaul9204]

Just noticed you are coming up on 100K subscribers. I remember back when you were passing 50K. Congrats on your major achievement!

[@CWLemoine]

Yeah, I'm gonna need y'all to stop subscribing before 100k. Thanks in advance. 😂

[@ryzikx]

Oh man he really is... ive been subbed for a long time i don’t remember since when 100k is crazy

[@andrewmadge]

@@CWLemoine Not going to take no for an answer, I Just subscribed now :P

[@johnnytopgun6414]

"Major achievement" *salutes

[@keithmcfaul9204]

@QuadBlaster _ Now he is really moving right along. Congrats again C.W. for another major milestone. What would it take to get a backseat ride with you in a T-38?

[@mpeaslee306]

"Sometimes there's a waiver"... 100% agree /// Do your homework ... 100% ..... Don't give up! Be relentless...

[@muzzaball]

Hi Mover - I just love the new intro!! Thanks for another great video, cheers.

[@Sekir80]

You, Sir are amazing! Thanks for all this clearing up!

[@Synth256]

I realise this is an older post, but I feel compelled to support something Mover said. He said that "make them tell you 'no'" is just a good way of living. It's worked well for me! I've never been in the military, I've never taken any flight training. I'm your garden-variety software engineer. No matter which career path you choose, listen to Mover: make them tell you "no". I'm 62, now, with a successful career behind me. Twice, I have wanted something strongly enough to go all the way to the top. Both times, they eventually said "yes". Don't talk yourself out of anything, because you have weaknesses. Every person on this planet has at least one weakness. Focus on your strengths. Be aware of what you would bring to the team. Don't be cocky or arrogant about it, but be confident about your strengths. Be proud of yourself for having them. That confidence shows through in emails, phone conversations, and interviews. Gather up your confidence, pursue what your heart desires, and make them tell you "no". You will be glad you did.

[@darthstarbuck6087]

I am an Army guy, and we both said "that's stupid" at the same time.

[@klausr8700]

Thank You for your timely response when I asked about which camera you used in a previous video.

[@kienothomas]

I love your channel, I help cadets prepare for the ASTB-E, AFOQT, and SIFT..... Keep up the good work

[@ryana9610]

if it werent for u Lemoine, I probably wouldnt pursue my dream, thank you for being who you are.

[@6Sally5]

Totally agree with your mantra, “Make Them Tell You No”! While I was not a pilot or even officer, I twice in my 20-year Navy career accomplished career opportunities that I was told impossible by many. For sure....make them tell you no!

[@donmiller7119]

Great stuff Sir! This former 1-Charlie appreciates your channel!

[@spence7985]

I just recently found your channel and want to thank you for your service and thank you for sharing the behind the scenes of a fighter pilot

[@Golfnut1913]

I just turned 40 last year and all the way through jr high and high school I wanted nothing more to be a fighter pilot and like this video you made, I got WRONG information about how to get there and what I needed to do. I still look back wish I wouldn't have listened to the people that told me all wrong info and basically told me I had no chance if I didnt get into one of the academy's. Love your videos keep up the good work 👍👍

[@punanie05]

Man same story here. Saw top gun when i was about 6-7 and literally at that moment my whole life changed and i wanted nothing more than becoming a pilot in the air force or navy. However my older brother of all people. Someone who also obviously got wrong information absolutely crushed that dream for me. However like mover says if your passionate about something you should make sure to do your own research and that you are nit just getting info from youtube videos as anyone can post a KZbin video and it goes completely un checked therefore further spreading the misinformation. Best thing you can do is go on the actual air force or navy website and find out requirements for yourself from them instead of someone who doesnt have a clue and posts a youtube video. Anyways ultimately i cant blame anyone but myself for not getting the right information and for listening to my brother and believing him or even thinking he would have the right information in the first place.

[@Golfnut1913]

@@punanie05 I agree I absolutely would have went out on my own and tried to make it, if I had it to do all over again.

[@punanie05]

Bruce Wayne i hear 100%. Me as well.

[@jd.3493]

Ditto

[@deathlarsen7502]

Yeah thats why you never even tried. Tell this lie to yourself so you feel better that you didn't have the balls to even try. I Coulda been a contenduh

[@1notgilty]

The U.S. military currently has an acute shortage of pilots and has been trying to fix the problem for years. There have even been congressional hearings about the situation. According to a 2018 Military Times article about one in four pilot billets were empty because of the dire shortage. So, don't self-eliminate or you may be preventing yourself from getting your dream job.

[@1notgilty]

@Man In The Arena I believe the Air Force will now accept you up to 35 years old. Go for it!

[@michaelvol8922]

The Navy anyway caused their own problem. I remember Navy Reserve discharging pilots about 10-15 years ago. Because of right sizing? You can't easily get those skills back.

[@1notgilty]

​@@michaelvol8922 I agree. The Army discharged over 4,000 Majors a few years ago when they were "right sizing". As a result they've gutted their leadership ranks to save money. Yet, the Pentagon admits they can't account for a few TRILLION dollars in expenditures (aka: stolen money). Are the Three Stooges running the DOD these days or is it just corporate criminals calling the shots as usual?

[@marklambert4793]

1notgilty I go for option 2 on your last sentence. Although, there’s gotta be at least a little of option 1.

[@W1Robur]

Let enlisted fly with the right ASVAB score and that problem will unfuck itself. A degree has fuck all to operating an aircraft. Plenty of qualified guys who just don't have a degree and don't want to get one.

[@harvey1115]

Really appreciate your videos. Lots of info, straight from a trusted source

[@doncarlton4858]

Outstanding! You ripped that page up good! Retired USAF here and was laughing along with ya! However back in the late 70s and early 80s the strict 20/20 vision requirement was in place. (Perhaps due to the "Hollow Force" of the 70s). So I became an Air Intelligence Officer. Enjoying your page, keep 'em flying!

[@Jeff-uq7iu]

When I was in California training in the marines, the f18s used to run some really low passes on us, loud as F! Pretty cool memory

[@andrewcopple7075]

I'm so glad you're sharing this. It's frustrating that I told myself no; it's more frustrating that I see talented young people also telling themselves no. I want to do my best to make sure that these talented individuals at least WORK on defense for this country, but I can only imagine how frustrated they are to find out, like I did, that I could have had a YES.

[@andrewcopple7075]

(And yes, I would pick fighter pilot over phd in physics. 100%. I'd also get a degree potentially without debt afterwards)

[@dr.pauljmaryan1468]

Great CW inspiring fir those with that special capability.. Wanted it never had the chance..Bless you

[@kilicsami]

Respect brother 👊🏻💯❤️... happy new year!

[@shakes525]

When I found out about the vision requirement I was CRUSHED when I was a kid. I'm 45 now, and back then (at least this is what I was told by folks at the AFB where my dad was stationed) the vision requirements were that strict. But at the time corrective eye surgery was just entering the main stream and had some pretty severe side effects. I'm really glad to hear those aren't as bad now :D

[@jsdzx]

So many of us gave up for that very reason. Being a fighter pilot is the only job I ever wanted to do. Make great money now but I don’t love it. 38 now so the dream has passed For you young girls and guys listen when he says don’t eliminate yourself based upon outside sources. Follow your dreams, worse they can tell you is no but you don’t want to have a what if life.

[@sneakymilkman4203]

My folks always talked about the vision thing but I did my own research. I’m 16 so I have a shot still

[@gtr1952]

"Good information for life in general", OMG, so true!! Thank you!! Mover for 'President' !!! 8) --gary

[@user-gh5yk4ss6v]

New subscriber. Started watching yesterday and I love your no nonsense attitude in your videos.

[@waitinroom]

love your videos man, thank you!

[@6Sally5]

Also...though I was Navy (an FMF Corpsman), I and everybody I knew looked forward to training on an AF base because chow and quarters were outstanding!

[@MeesterVegas]

When I wanted to get into the airforce to fly, there was no shortage of pilots. I envy the guys now. I'm 54 now, but thank you for the interesting information.

[@run2fire]

MeesterVegas True. We grew up in the 80s. So after Top Gun and Iron Eagle, everyone wanted to be a pilot.

[@johnnytopgun6414]

Thanks for posting this mate, was a necessary video

[@jeffbradley7435]

Mover, I just love how you kept mentioning the A-10 - I was always around them back in the early 80’s when they would come to Patrick AFB, FL [don’t remember if from Mrytle Beach or Moody-at that time - been to Moody a few times but it was a long time ago] for their 2-week deployment (also F-16A/C/F-4E/A-6/E/A-7K/ etc) and train with us doing FAC schoolhouse missions (via O-2A/OV-10A/OT-37B’s). the A-10C, especially in DCS [my 1st module back in 2010], has been one of my favs. And, it was always so fun to mark a target with a WP, in the Avon Park Bombing Range, and watch them come in and “rain” on the target with their 30MM. Hell, on that note, I reminisce that it was also fun to call in a flight of F-4E’s to drop their simulated [if I remember correctly] their BDU-23’s on target as well. Lots of good times back then! Keep up the good work you are doing for interested community! Thanks..

[@chrskelsey74]

"Are you saying we're not fighter pilots?!" The incredulity in your voice was amazing. :D

[@jguerr562]

Good words to live by, "let them tell you no". Stay safe brother!

[@flyingknights1396]

Love your videos, glad to see your channel growing so fast!

[@davidweidman3169]

Thanks for making this video . I sure enjoyed watching it .

[@msmith53]

I love it! “Crush the Ignorance!” As a teacher (40 yr. exp), I want to borrow that! Thx...

[@LonersGuide]

"Make them tell you no." Great moral--I'm going to start applying that with intent.

[@michaeljohnsonbaugh7962]

Very easy when you consider how spineless some people are. Theyll say yes to anything! It is a fantastic motto to swear by. Dont limit yourself

[@lotone67]

Definitely make them tell you no, multiple times. My oldest son was told no by the Navy twice for reasons I won't go into. He graduated boot camp in January and is now in A school. The graduation ceremony was awesome and I'm so freaking proud of him. I'm an Air Force vet and tried to talk him into the family branch, but he wasn't having it...lol

[@sciencebeartimberwoods7610]

Amazing video. I really like your stuff and the kind way you present it.

[@thegentcase7360]

True - take the initiatve - never give up - Inspired to get a fighter pilot I ended up flying an Airliner... which isn’t too bad 😁

[@thomascable9447]

I’m hope one day i’m able to become a pilot of some sort I would prefer being a fighter pilot but if I get the chance to fly anything i’ll be more than happy

[@KomradeDoge]

Don't knock the AWACS, transport, and refueling boys. Support assets need love out there too.

[@glocktown21]

MOVER... I LOVE YOUR NEW INTRO! IT'S AWESOME!!!!!! Keep your videos rollin... I watch them for my son who wants to AIM HIGH and go the Airforce Academy.... Your videos give us awesome insight!!!!!!

[@paulkoza8652]

You give very practical advice about life. Even kids who would never consider this career should watch this.

[@Manospondylus]

One of my regrets was not learning to fly in my teens. My dad was a pilot since before Vietnam(he flew the skycrane and other planes and helicopters) and took me to one class to see if I'd like it. I did but at the time it intimidated me. Should have gone for it.

[@EnclaveDesigns]

why don't you now?

[@Manospondylus]

@@EnclaveDesigns 🤷‍♂️ idk.

[@michaeljohnsonbaugh7962]

Dont let it be a regret! Go as far as you can and if you dont make it all the way, at least you can have that piece of mind. Best of luck to you man, make em tell you NO!

[@sos7464]

If I saw this video when I was 16, it may have changed the course of my entire life. 😡

[@davecasey4341]

There's a lot of things I wished I had heard differently when I was 16 (46 years ago). If KZbin had been around with videos like this, I might have gone a completely different direction.

[@rickmurray7123]

@@davecasey4341 Wouldn't we all.

[@boingobadger9846]

I’m a 12 year old and I’m glad I’m seeing this now. I have horrible eyesight 40/20 but seeing him debunk these encourages me.

[@lobsters12111]

I always wanted to fly F18s because I saw the Blue Angels at an air show when I was young. I knew from a young (but not as young) age that I would be disqualified, so I live vicariously through people like you. Thanks for the video!

[@somebuddyX]

Great video! I only found your channel the other day and these videos have been fun to watch.

[@floxy20]

I have a hat that says "Fighter Pilot." Does this qualify me?

[@socom54321]

Yes

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Uh, not unless you're wearing it.

[@justicewarrior9187]

I just love when the real deal calls out the bullshit 😂

[@vinayakdasaka4605]

The way you tell is just superb. 👏👏👏

[@maniac3697]

Awesome video, found your channel randomly. I love the flying videos!

[@ratchetthunderstud193]

Why most people don't have what it takes to be a fighter pilot: No inflight meal. -

[@davecasey4341]

Don't want to pee in a bag. :D

[@rammstein1903]

smart enough, strong enough, and doggonit people like me.

[@512Mavlor]

C.W. - Thank you for breaking some of the stigma that surrounds pilot selection and training. I am an AF veteran, served in the 5th SSS (Space Surveillance Squadron). My 19 year old son is interested in becoming a Commercial Pilot and has already started his journey in college and pilot training through a well recognized Flight Training School here in Austin, TX. My son watches your videos and just the other day he said to me, "Hey Dad, I've started to think about joining the military and flying there to serve our country and build up my skills". It was music to my ears. He has had some personal fears about all the requirements and your calm demeanor in explaining things has built his confidence. He likes your quote, "Make them tell you No". So, thank you for your vidoes and please know that you are "literally" changing peoples lives for the better. ~ My son wants you to know that ~ TY Sir

[@SupraDebt]

Came across your video talking about the TopGun trailer. Enjoyed it and seen you wrote books. Ended up buying the first one.... wow.. in the last 3 weeks I’ve bought all of them and just started book 7 today.. love your writing, love your channel.. keep up the great work.

[@johnnytopgun6414]

Are they available in audiobook form? I ride my motorbike with a book in my ear

[@SupraDebt]

Juan Milla yes actually, on Amazon they have them in audiobook form.

[@LV_FUD80]

I tried to follow We Are the Mighty. But, too many of their articles come off as written by fanboys rather than by people in the know.

[@wendellsawyer4386]

Love when Sgt Hy over at Angry Cops gets a hold of some of the trash they write.

[@tommyzDad]

Can concur on the height minimum: I'm 5'4" and my F/A-18 squadron (VMFA-451) commander (a Lt.Col) was my height.

[@Skyhawks1979]

Call sign "Too Tall"? LOL

[@KomradeDoge]

@@Skyhawks1979 I can see it now. It's your first ever deployment as a nugget getting into the squadron and hearing the squadron leader is called "Too Tall". Knowing that you gotta earn your name you start thinking this is gonna be a huge intimidating person to work for. The duty pilot calls attention and you turn to see that guy rolling in.

[@raylauderback5126]

Excellent video, Sir!👍

[@matiriko23]

Am loving your videos!!

[@naroon5455]

I wish i knew this stuff 16 years ago. As a 34 year old, is it already too late for me to become a fighter pilot?

[@tomnguyen8546]

Maybe. Age eligibility is waiverable to 33. You can try for an exception to policy (ETP) but the chances are low for AD. Best bet is to find a Guard unit and see if there are openings that you can apply for. Again, make the true decision makers tell you "No".

[@al3jandr038]

7:34 "skinny runners" me, a skinny track and cross country runner: LETS GOOOOO

[@wendellsawyer4386]

That's actually what all the services want, including spec-ops.

[@umijs495]

Nightingale Rangers and marines are usually the big muscular dudes. But guys in delta force or other tier 1 groups are usually pretty thin and averaged size.

[@TaffenFelspar]

BS on the runner's build. This is NOT what you want for a pilots pulling G. The services want smart/quick thinking pilots in great general shape with decent muscle mass.

[@madscientist8138]

wish i had seen this 10 years ago. hearing the visual requirements (that i now know are wrong) kept me from applying. glad you are putting content out like this

[@sakaraist]

These articles always give me a chuckle, Even a few years ago when I joined the army In Canada there was pretty much nothing that either the personnel at the recruiting office or Your BMOQ/BMQ staff would be unwilling or unable to help you work through to get you where you want to be.

[@bobbybax2360]

Ted Williams would never have made it since his vision was 20/10. Seriously, it drives me nuts when 20/20 is described as 'perfect' vision.

[@FrostyA113]

20/20 is described as perfect vision due to the complete balance in your eyes, 20/10 is unbalanced, not perfect.

[@bobbybax2360]

@@FrostyA113 Not if u have 20/10 in both eyes.

[@yanwo2359]

Hope you enjoy my (very long) AFOQT story. Many years ago, I took the five-part Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, along with several other airmen and one officer, a second lieutenant. The officer was the only one not in uniform, and he got reamed by the Chief Master Sergeant administering the test. "This is a mandatory formation, and you should be in uniform -- Sir." He said. After the lunch break, the officer returned in uniform. The first test booklet was placed before us and the Chief read the instructions. "Are there any questions?" I raised my hand and was acknowledged. "Chief," I said, "can you tell us how this test will be scored? Percent correct, or correct minus a fraction of incorrect?" In reply, he reread the instructions exactly as before and again asked if there were any questions. This time I knew enough to remain silent. He said to begin. I opened the test booklet and began to read all the questions. I considered myself an expert test-taker (and still do), and always took the time to read all the questions before beginning a test. I turned over the last page and saw, among some other cryptic notes, R - W / 4. Ah, ah! I silently exclaimed. That has to mean right minus one-fourth wrong. I'll guess only if I'm quite certain my guess is correct. I began answering the questions. When I was finished, I went over it again and again until the Chief called time. When we began the second part, I again read through all the questions, and, sure enough, on the back was a similar formula. Later in the day, however, I found a part with the formula R - W! On this one, because of the extreme penalty for incorrect answers, I didn't guess at all. Of, probably, 100 questions, I only answered about 40 or so. After the test, I ate a snack with one of the airmen who'd taken the test with me. I bragged about how good I was at taking tests, and he claimed to be good also. I explained how I'd deduced the meaning of the formulas on the back of the booklets and decided, based on the penalty, whether or not to guess. "Oh, I didn't see them," he said, "I answered all the questions." He seemed unconcerned, but I thought, boy, wait 'till you see your scores, then you'll be sorry you weren't as smart as I was! The official Air Force letter that gives my scores arrived a month later. My scores were 95, 95, 95, 85, and 95 -- 95 being the highest possible. The parts were Pilot, Nav-Tech, Officer Quality, Verbal, and Quantitative. To my astonishment, the guy I talked to after the test got all 95's! I guess intelligence more than compensates for wiliness! In case you're wondering, the officer got 01 in Nav-Tech and 05 in Quantitative. He didn't have scores in the other three areas, but everyone else did. He probably wasn't selected for flight training.

[@surrealsupercell7217]

I'm guessing the moral of the story is attention to detail and ingenuity?

[@colechilen8592]

What would you recommend for study material

[@tomsmith3045]

As others have said, this is great life advice, not just airplane advice. Thanks for helping stem the tide of bad information along the way.

[@naski9850]

Just found your channel and I was watching a few of your videos. - Subscribed right away. Love your reactions, looks like you're just being yourself which is great!

[@goldcfi7103]

What does it take to be a fighter pilot? Mental toughness, the will to excel, reasonable physical fitness, and the inner drive to win. Don’t forget the strong work ethic.

[@Twister051]

Totally agree with all you said.

[@2011blueman]

I was told by recruiters in high school that I needed 20/20 vision. It's why I didn't join the military.

[@rammphillips3002]

Mover, Rammer here. I went the USNA ('76, BS Eng.) route, Navy Flt School, made the cut for jets, winged June '78, F-4 Phantom "RAG" (now, "FRS", the now-defunct VF-171), VF-31 Tomcatters, F-14A transition (whole squadron, 1980). Best times of my life. Got out after a Class A Mishap in the 'Cat (damnit). I work as an engineer for the JSF Joint Program Office now, and am close to retirement. I really enjoy the videos and your content. Keep it up, brother. I really loved your helo training as I never flew one. Rode in lots of them, though. Wow, I got lost in time and space watching those. Nice work on your part. That you fly the 737 now, made me check out the Doofer911 series he does using FSX. The level of automation these days is astounding (to this old guy). All the best to you and yours. Thanks for all of it!

[@kennyj4366]

Thank you for setting the story straight.

[@EdwardFassnacht]

My flight instructor had the navy pay for prk and got his eyes corrected and now hes an f18 pilot. So definitely correctable and also he did say theres a lot of things that can be waived in the military so make sure to make them tell you no

[@biteme263]

Yep, I was not a pilot but they waved a lot of things when I joined the Air Force. I was 5'3" and weighed like 98 lbs with hay feaver and a history of asthma. They called my family doctor at MEPS and asked him if he thought I was healthy and he said yes and waved it. And they had a test where you had to lift a weight, I think it was 80lbs to a certain height. It was taller than I was. I said how am I going to do that? The guy said " I will give you a hint, we don't care how it gets there, as long it passes that line." So I just yanked it up and threw it up there. It went passed the line and came slamming down. He said good job and passed me lol. And when I was in basic the drill instructor gave the normal speil about how if we screw up and don't make it back in time for chow we were not going to eat "Except for Airman Mohr, you can eat whenver you want you scrawny fk.". They also let me slide on the having to drink X amount of glasses of water because I told them if I drink that much I won't be able to eat anything. They said ok, but if you pass out we are leaving you there and you are done. And then made me be the guy that had to carry the water when we were marching lol. I am one of the few people that thought basic was kind of fun actually.

[@tsangarisjohn]

There’s the right way, and the NAVY way... 😂🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Aim High !!!

[@PossiblyAzrael]

Air Force Basic April 14th- I figured most of what I’ve heard were misconceptions. Glad I stayed persistent.

[@Raptors0524]

I am so happy I found this video. This has always been a dream of mine. Sad to say it never came to fruition as I got hit by a car at a young age. Thanks for the info!